“Brecken!” Maxx panted, trying to catch his breath. “It’s Brae.”
“What’s happened?” Brecken demanded. Black Dawn circled, unsettled and hooves stomping.
“Raphaela arrested her. They say she has spread rumors Adlae Sundragon lives.” Maxx leaned heavily against the pommel of his saddle. “They say the Winter Queen is Adlae Sundragon. Raphaela has locked Brae in the Blood Keep dungeons and ...”
His brother stopped, averting his eyes. Brecken reached over and grabbed Maxx by the arm, forcing him to look in his eyes.
“And what, Maxx?” he asked, his voice a menacing whisper.
“Raphaela has announced Brae’s execution,” Maxx said. “She’s executing her at dawn, Brecken.”
All heat left his body. One word from his brother, and the very life within him wavered. His wife was facing her death, and he was days away from Sunkai.
“Maxx,” he growled, unbuckling his breastplate. “Take the army back to Quintaria and leave them in Klade’s hands. Then ride, as quickly as you can, to Sunkai.”
“No.”
“What?” Brecken growled, throwing his breastplate to the ground.
“Have one of your sergeants take them. I am not letting you go alone.” Maxx turned his horse, so they were side by side. “You’ll never make it if you simply take the Aulend road. We’ll take one of the Woodland Paths through the Aulend. I know where they are. You need me, brother, and don’t deny it.”
Brecken hesitated only a moment before shouting for one of his men.
“We take the road to Quintaria, and from there, we go to the Aulend,” Maxx said absently as Brecken barked orders to the sergeant. “The Woodland Paths will get us there faster.”
“Will they get us there in time?” Brecken asked, his stomach twisting in fear.
Maxx looked at him blankly. “Let’s go, brother.”
Without another word, the brothers rode away, galloping as fast as their animals could go. Brecken closed his eyes and let Black Dawn have his head. Brae’s face flashed across his eyes. Her beautiful smile, her sweet laugh. Everything about her came rushing back to him, reminding him how much he loved her and needed her. He bent over Black Dawn’s neck, urging him faster toward home.
Creator’s Night, I can’t lose her! I won’t lose her!
The shadow swirled, thick and hot all around them. This heat even Adlae could feel, seeping into her skin to burn her from the inside. She glanced over at her companions. Glaydin was pensive, his big shoulders hunched and his eyes never leaving the shield shimmering around them. Navaria and Krow sat together in the saddle easily, her head resting on his shoulder and his lips moving in whispers against her ear.
Despite the small steps Starlight took, they were flying swiftly through the woods, the trees beyond the shadow passing rapidly by. Adlae knew they would already be upon Quintaria if they could run; if they were not restricted to walking. The shadow was growing weak with the presence of Adlae and Navaria’s magic, her blue fire sparking against the shield, fending off the ghostly creatures trying to reach for them to infuse them with darkness.
Adlae looked to the Mountain woman and felt her smile behind the veil. Navaria grew stronger with each passing moment, cradled in Krow’s warmth as she fought reaching for the Frostling powers. Adlae couldn’t even imagine how difficult the battle was for her. Being a creature of magic, yet unable to explore a new power so pure and sweet had to be torture for her. Looking up once more, the black cloud billowed and thinned, dulling to a gray shadow overhead. Adlae sighed, her own power growing stronger as the Abyss grew weaker.
They moved on, Starlight’s steps careful and precise on each stone. The tension was thick between the companions, Glaydin’s sword still clutched in a tight fist at his side. His sharp eyes narrowed on anything in the woods that moved strangely. Adlae reached and lightly touched his arm with the side of her staff. Ice scattered across his forearm, and he frowned at her. She resisted giggling at the look on his face.
Glaydin mumbled under his breath and put his sword away so he could brush the thin layer of ice from his arm. The crystals turned to dust at his touch before melting completely. Adlae tilted her head, curious. The more she studied these men, the more she realized how different they were from their women. Even though Navaria was the only woman she could judge by, there was no denying the men had more strength against winter magic than the women did. One touch from Adlae and Navaria could die, yet Adlae could freely place her staff on Glaydin’s bare skin, and he didn’t even flinch.
She returned her focus to the shield, gazing up at the darkness. The gloom was thinning again, small rays of light trying to peek through before the black clouds grew thick again. Adlae breathed deeply, pressing the top of her staff against her heart, allowing her magic to fill her again before she raised the rod, strengthening the shield. The cloud seemed to wince, drawing back before thrusting itself forward once more in another attempt to break through.
We have almost defeated the darkness. The Abyss will turn its face to the south and will not bother with us any longer, Winter said hopefully.
“If it turns its face to the south, then it turns to Sunkai. That is not a better choice in my mind,” Adlae whispered in return, catching how Glaydin looked at her oddly. “If the shadow disappears now, the Mother City will be helpless.”
The Abyss cannot enter the heart of many, only the heart of one. And that one cannot stand alone but must search for followers. That one will come to the Gracian to seek the Wraith Spawn, Winter replied. If the Abyss succeeds, we will have more than just Roderick Kael’s armies to fret over. We will have Wraith Spawn clawing at our heels.
Another shadow launched at the shield, burning and scattering into embers. “The darkness still tries to fight.”
The shield is strong. The joining of winter magic and fire magic is a beautiful thing. Winter’s sigh filled her. A joining rarely seen. In all my years upon this earth, I never saw such a union of magic. Never did I lay my eyes upon white fire. I am glad to see this magic now, even after my time has passed. Your time will not end, Adlae Sundragon, not for many years I’m sure. When your moment comes to pass the magic of winter to another, you will go on with them as I have gone on with you.
“Sometimes I wish my time would come.” Adlae lowered her voice. “So you might be at peace. Carrying you with me all these years has been a privilege, but to know as long as I live you will not be at peace ...” She shuddered.
My eternity will come, just as it comes for all.
“I know.”
Do not think of your end in this form, Adlae Sundragon. You will know when the time has come.
“Adlae!” Navaria’s voice broke her free from her quiet conversation, and she turned in the saddle. “Adlae, look.”
She frowned, lifting her eyes to the top of the dome where Navaria pointed. Blinking once, then twice, Adlae knew what she saw was real. The shadow was separating, disappearing to reveal blue sky peeking through the roof of trees. The cloud was moving on, passing by until suddenly, the path before them was clear. Adlae spun Starlight around, her breath quickening as she watched the shadow disappear into the woods beyond. Silence enveloped them, and Adlae raised her staff, pulling the shield back in until they were surrounded by the free air of the forest once again. They looked back and forth at each other, searching for direction.
“Do we follow?” Glaydin broke the silence.
“No,” Adlae said. “We must look to Mirae. She is our hope.”
“The Abyss will go to the Mother City,” Navaria warned. “Perhaps Krow and I should return, to protect your sister.”
“There is nothing you can do. Brae will get safely out of the city. Damari will not fail us,” Adlae answered, touching her necklace.
She felt Brae’s pain; she knew her fear, but she also knew her sister was strong. She would survive these troubles. Adlae w
as certain Brae had already found a way, her pain subsiding and her fear now gone.
“The Abyss has made its intent known, but we have won this small battle, painless though it was. We were never meant to come this far. The absence of the Abyss can only mean we are meant to go on, to continue on the road to Quintaria. Turning back now will serve no purpose.”
“Then we go on,” Glaydin agreed. “The city cannot be far now.”
“Too much time has been wasted. What if we’re already too late?” Navaria asked, worry laced in her voice. “What if Mirae Sundragon has already met Brecken Jandry in battle?”
Adlae didn’t answer her, she couldn’t. There was something wrong, she could feel the assault in the bond between her and her sisters. But she didn’t want to admit defeat; she didn’t want to believe the Abyss had delayed them—that the dark magic had slowed the Frostling’s touch. She didn’t want to believe they would have been there by now if the Abyss hadn’t come to weigh heavy upon their footsteps.
Adlae wondered now if she should’ve gone through the Aulend—if she should’ve sought out the Paths there. But taking the Aulend would have meant riding across the hills the first day, and she hadn’t thought they could spare the time. The Gracian was at the doorstep of Sunkai and the best choice.
Until now, Winter muttered. We must fly now, Adlae Sundragon.
“If they have met in battle, we will know soon enough,” Krow said, breaking the silence. Meeting Adlae’s gaze, he nodded his head in respect. “No more talk. We ride.”
Adlae dug in her heels, and Starlight lunged forward, sensing her mistress’s intent. Adlae bent low over the animal’s neck, pressing her staff close to her side. Frostling magic was sweet and icy, fusing life into her soul. She’d not for a long time spoken to the Frostlings in her dreams, but she knew they were there. She knew they waited for her command and she knew the wind had awoken on the Ice Mountains.
Winter would be coming soon.
The Pilvaa Forest
Mirae stumbled out of the saddle, leaning heavily against Thunder’s side as she gulped in air. The men were all around her, some at her heels, others having run ahead of her. But there was only one man she was looking for in the crowd. If he didn’t return from the battlefield, Mirae didn’t know what she was going to do. One of the boys from the wagons jumped down to take Thunder away, bringing him deeper into the circle.
Mirae’s knees trembled, the point of her sword dragging against the ground as she shuffled passed the wagons. The women brushed their hands to her shoulders, murmuring ‘Creator’s blessing on you’ as she went by. The men dragged the wounded up into the wagons, grunts and moans filling the circle.
The trees offered blessed shade, cooling the sweat beading on her face. The sun was beginning to dip on the horizon now, and the women were preparing for the darkness. One never knew what hid in the shadows of the Pilvaa, and they didn’t want to find out. Even now she saw Astra, preparing the circle, Braven her constant shadow. She sighed, glad they’d chosen to take the women and children into the forest when the battle tilted in favor of the king’s army. Mirae didn’t want to think about what would have happened to them if they’d been taken captive.
“Has anyone seen Jaeger?” Mirae managed to ask, raising her voice as high as she could. “Has anyone seen my second?”
No one answered her, and fear nearly strangled her. Her thoughts turned suddenly to Brecken Jandry, and she paused. Why had he spared her? Just for love of her sister, or had he finally started to doubt the man he followed? Mirae didn’t know what she’d seen in his eyes, but whatever was there had given her cause to hope, and him reason to disobey his king’s command.
Mirae frowned, warmth pooling in her center. The feeling was strange—one she’d never felt before. But something about Brecken Jandry had awakened this inside of her, and she could only believe what she felt was hope. Mirae moved on, her arm heavy as she raised her sword to slide the blade into its sheath.
“Your Majesty!” Lara shouted, and Mirae turned, opening her arms to the woman. “Word on the field was you had fallen! But I didn’t believe them. I couldn’t.”
“I am fine,” Mirae whispered, resting her chin on the woman’s shoulder. “I’m glad you and Griyer are unharmed.”
“Griyer is taking a count.” Lara trembled in her arms. “To discover who we have lost and where we must go from here to recover.”
“We need only think of keeping safe tonight. The army will not pursue us into the Pilvaa, Roderick is too much of a coward for that.”
Lara sniffled, stepping back to smooth her mussed hair. “What you did wasn’t easy, Mirae. You made the right choice.”
“I only want to find Jaeger. Have you seen him? Did he return from the field yet?” Mirae’s head swiveled from side to side, searching for her second. “Please tell me you’ve seen him, Lara! Please!”
“Here, little one.”
She spun, falling right into his big arms. Mirae sighed, pressing her face against his chest as she listened to the steady beating of his heart. Her arms tightened around his waist. He soothed her with a heavy hand to her hair, stroking down the short length to cup the back of her neck in his warm palm.
“I’m here, little one,” Jaeger whispered gently, holding her tight. “I am glad to see you.”
“Creator’s Night, I thought you were dead!” Mirae cried, fighting the tears burning her eyes. “Where were you? You disappeared! You were at my side, and then you were gone!”
“I’m here now,” Jaeger responded, taking her by the shoulders. “We are both alive, that is what matters.”
“Yes, you’re right.” Mirae stepped back, straightening her back. “Brecken Jandry spared me. He may yet be of use to us.”
“Only if he leaves Roderick Kael and Sunkai behind. If he cannot, then you will have to face him again,” Jaeger said, following her. The men were beginning to erect the tents, shouting for direction as the women tended the wounded in the wagons.
“But I will not have to think of that for a long time,” Mirae replied thoughtfully, twisting her necklace between her fingers. “Something is happening, Jaeger. I don’t know what but Brae is ... strangely calm. I know she was frightened. I know she was in pain but now—she is simply ... peaceful.”
“Then she must be well.”
“No, there is still something wrong. A dull ache.” Mirae rubbed her fingers against her chest. “Heartache.”
“I’m sure everything is fine, Mirae.” Jaeger placed his hand on her shoulder, and she realized she’d stopped walking.
Brow arching, she looked around, surprised to find herself standing at the edge of the circle. Her tent was set up near this side of the camp, the sun sinking lower on the horizon, disappearing in a dark red glow behind the trees. Mirae shivered as shadows fell upon the camp, creeping over them like the Abyss itself.
“If my sister is in danger and I stand by and do nothing—”
“She is not in danger,” Jaeger insisted, shaking her slightly to make her look at him. “And if she was, there is nothing you could do. You are too far from the Mother City to help. If I must take that necklace from you myself, to ease your mind and destroy this magic you cling to so desperately, I will.”
Mirae reared back from him, covering the necklace with both hands protectively. Jaeger ran his fingers through his hair, dislodging the length from the cord keeping it in place. Mirae held out a hand to him again, gently tugging on his sleeve.
“This magic keeps me sane.”
Jaeger shook his head fiercely, his hot breath warming her cheek. “This magic will kill you.”
He stalked away, shoulders hunched forward and hand on his sword. Mirae buffed her arms, bringing warmth back into her body as she turned away. Gasping, she jumped back, snarling at Astra. The woman blinked innocent, silver eyes at her before shrugging one shoulder.
“Sad, yo
u are,” Astra commented. “The strength of the link troubles you, yes?”
“There is something strange about the connection tonight,” Mirae answered, holding the pendant out to Astra without taking the necklace off. “Almost as if there is another ... presence. Someone other than Brae.”
“Not all that is believed is true,” Astra intoned, clouds rolling across her eyes. “Not all that is seen can be believed.”
“You’re not making sense,” Mirae moaned, carefully cupping her hand to Astra’s elbow. “I think you need to rest. You have used so much of your strength today, Astra.”
“Not all that is believed is true. Not all that is seen can be believed,” Astra repeated, walking shakily beside Mirae. “The Winter Queen is coming. The Winter Queen is coming.”
“No, sweet one.” Mirae cooed to her like she was a child, bringing her into her tent.
A fire had been lit in the center, where Braven was warming his hands. He barely looked up at them, completely unconcerned with Astra’s uneasiness. Mirae frowned at him, but he merely shrugged, pointing at his own eyes. She knew when those clouds descended, Astra was Seeing, and there was nothing anyone could do to help her. But at least Braven could calm her, to convince her to sleep.
“The Winter Queen is in Sunkai, Astra.” Mirae pushed her carefully onto the edge of her cot. “She is far, far away.”
“The Winter Queen is coming to Quintaria,” Astra mumbled, rocking back and forth. “The Winter Queen’s face is deceiving. Her name is untrue.”
“No one knows the true name of the Winter Queen, Astra.” Mirae lifted the woman’s ankles, turning her until she lay back on the cot. “You need to sleep now.”
“The Winter Queen’s face is deceiving.” Astra grabbed Mirae’s necklace, and she gasped, the chain pulsing, filled with Astra’s magic. “You will know the truth when you look at her, Mirae Sundragon. We will all know the truth.”
Winter Queen Page 25